The Archbishop of Wales has announced his retirement following a safeguarding review that revealed "a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred" at Bangor Cathedral.
Andrew John confirmed on he would step down from the role with immediate effect, stating it had been "an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years".
The announcement comes after two reports into the North Wales cathedral identified serious concerns about sexual behaviour, with findings that "promiscuity was acceptable" within the cathedral community.
There is no suggestion the archbishop behaved inappropriately, but mounting pressure for his resignation followed the publication of report summaries last month.
Andrew John confirmed he would be retiring from the role
PA
The safeguarding review heard accounts of excessive alcohol consumption and inappropriate behaviour that created an unsafe environment for cathedral members.
According to the report, there were "inappropriate language, rude jokes and innuendoes in the choir that left some feeling unsafe and marginalised". Inappropriate language was also used in front of younger choir members and at times caused "humiliation to some".
The review by ThirtyOne: Eight, a Christian safeguarding agency, documented a culture of "excessive drinking, sleeping around, backbiting, bullying", alongside homophobic comments and an "unhappy working environment".
Other issues raised included hurtful gossip, a poor safeguarding approach and weak financial controls at the cathedral.
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Jones became Archbishop of Wales in December 2021
PA
John became Bishop of Bangor in 2008 and was elected Archbishop of Wales in December 2021. He commissioned the two reports into Bangor Cathedral in October last year.
Earlier this week, John issued what he called an "unreserved and unequivocal" personal apology, stating: "I repent and offer no excuses nor justifications." He said he took full responsibility for failings under his leadership.
After the report summaries were published, John acknowledged: "These findings are hard to hear but they must be faced if we are to move forward with integrity."
He had previously offered his "most heartfelt apology to any members of the cathedral community who have been hurt or who feel I have let them down".
Bangor Cathedral
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The Charity Commission has launched a regulatory compliance case after six serious incident reports were filed in the past 18 months, four relating to safeguarding and two concerning financial matters.
Financial irregularities reportedly include more than £400,000 spent on cathedral furnishings with inadequate consultation and £20,000 on trips to Rome and Dublin for senior staff.
Two cathedral priests, Rev Dr John Prysor-Jones and the Very Rev Prof Gordon McPhate, called for an independent inquiry, stating: "The reputational damage to the cathedral, the diocese, and the Church in Wales is considerable."
John will retire as Bishop of Bangor on August 31, saying he would "very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire".
Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn Ruth Jones told the BBC: "We want openness and transparency in all our church settings and it’s really, really important that the archbishop makes clear what has gone on."
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